Good stereo amp to use with Paradigm Studio 100 V2?

[Phaze]

Hi all. I'm redoing my audio system and thinking of going back from 5 channel surround to just a stereo setup. I watch some movies but mostly listen to music on CD's. I have some SACD's, DVD-A's and lots of regular CD's I'd like to listen to. I wish the regular CD's sounded better! I also currently have a Denon DVD 2910 cd/dvd player, and Denon AV-3803 surround sound receiver/amp. I'm using Paradigm Reference Studio 100's V2 as front L & R speakers.

I'm thinking of purchasing a NAD C372 integrated stereo solid state amp or possibly (at twice the price) a Cavin A-88T integrated stereo tube amp. I think my 100's need more power to realize their sonic potential. Would the NAD be a nice/satisfactory upgrade or just a "lateral move" from the 3803? Will the Cavin be worthwhile with my exsisting CD player and speakers. Your opinions/suggestions are appreciated, other alternatives/options are helpful too. Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I'm thinking of purchasing a NAD C372 integrated stereo solid state amp or possibly (at twice the price) a Cavin A-88T integrated stereo tube amp. I think my 100's need more power to realize their sonic potential. Would the NAD be a nice/satisfactory upgrade or just a "lateral move" from the 3803? Your opinions/suggestions are appreciated, other alternatives/options are helpful too. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Upgrading to the above from what you have will make a marginal improvement, but it will be marginal at best. If you really want to make a significant impact on the sound of your 100's, I suggest you take the money and give yourself a room upgrade.

The most significant ingredient of any sound system that most people neglect is the room.


My 2 cents... if you want an upgrade and have yet to treat your sound room, treat yourself to a room upgrade. Taking the necessary steps to address the acoustic issues inherent in every room. IE....bass trapping, etc, etc, will create a much larger impact for the better.

 

[avaserfi]

Most of the time moving from a receiver to an amp won't be lateral if you listen at higher levels. Normally at lower levels receivers have no problem pushing speakers, its only when you really crank it that a receiver might struggle.

If you are looking for a great 2 channel amp and don't want to spend an arm and a leg look into emotiva. Their two channel amp got a great review on this site. You can see it here.

If you want real improvements at any level look into treating your room as that is a huge factor in sound. I.E. Much larger improvement for the money.

 

[Warpdrv]

Most of the time moving from a receiver to an amp won't be lateral if you listen at higher levels. Normally at lower levels receivers have no problem pushing speakers, its only when you really crank it that a receiver might struggle.

If you are looking for a great 2 channel amp and don't want to spend an arm and a leg look into emotiva. Their two channel amp got a great review on this site. You can see it here.

If you want real improvements at any level look into treating your room as that is a huge factor in sound. I.E. Much larger improvement for the money.

+1 on the Emotiva suggestion... they are getting fantastic reviews.

Also +1 on the Room Treatments, they helped out my room quite a bit.

 

[Jey Jockey]

Two thumbs up for Emotiva, I have the DMC1/MPS1 setup with Axiom M80v2 mains, Klipsch RC64 Center, Mirage Omni 260 surrounds and a Paradigm PW2200 sub and the sound quality( imaging, soundstage,clarity,seperation) is simply amazing.

You know you have got it right when listening to a well recorded CD is ALMOST better than sex.

 

[zumbo]

You know you have got it right when listening to a well recorded CD is ALMOST better than sex.

I must really be having some good sex then.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I must really be having some good sex then.

And plenty of it.
Or, listening might be better.

 

[Adam]

And plenty of it.
Or, listening might be better.

Good thing that I have a stereo system, then.

 

[fmw]

I highly recommend that you ignore all home theater amps. Go get pro audio amps from companies like Crown or QSC. You'll get stronger, more rugged and less expensive products that sound exactly the same and don't wimp out with low impedance loads or high power applications. After all, loud, low impedance loads are what they are all about. Check the specs. You'll see what I mean.

 

[cfrizz]

There are lots of choices for amplifiers. Don't be afraid to check out used on Audiogon, it will get you more bang for the buck.

Parasound, Rotel, Sunfire, Nad, Adcom, or 2 Outlaw monoblocks will all do just fine.

Unless you take apart & lug your system around everyday then put it back together, you don't have to worry about the durability of a HT amplifier.

 

[zumbo]

Almost five years on my Adcom driving all five channels at a 4ohm load. No problems. Great company.

 

[EJD]

Although the NAD integrateds get good reviews, I prefer their separates. If you want to stick with them, look into a C162 preamp/C270 or C272 amp.

I second the Audiogon advice - you will get a lot more for your money buying used.